Abstract: A method and system for wireless broadcast mode communication of location-specific information to mobile units of a cellular network. Each respective mobile unit automatically updates a predetermined display area, preferably in the main display window of the respective mobile unit, in order to visually convey the location-specific information broadcasted thereto.

Abstract: A method for replenishing a pre-paid telecommunications account utilizes the short message service (SMS). When an account balance is low, a pre-paid service control point (PP-SCP) sends a message to a pre-paid payment server which composes an SMS message and sends it to a short message service center (SMSC). The SMSC forwards the message to a mobile switching center (MSC) which passes the message to the subscriber's mobile unit. A confirmation message is automatically sent in a similar manner back to the pre-paid payment server. To replenish the account, the subscriber composes an SMS message using the mobile unit and sends the message to an MSC which forwards it to the pre-paid payment server via an SMSC. The pre-paid payment server validates the request via a billing and finance system, then sends a message to the PP-SCP for account update.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention utilize a wireless device such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless massaging capabilities, two-way pager, etc. to notify the account holder of a pending credit/debit account transaction and to obtain approval from the account holder. In order to provide nearly universal interoperability with existing vendors, the invention employs an “authorizing entity”. The authorizing entity may be provided by the credit/debit card issuer or may be provided by a third party in communication with the card issuer. In the broadest sense, the methods of the invention include the steps of sending a message (including the vendor ID and payment amount) from the wireless device to the authorizing entity and sending a payment confirmation message from the authorizing entity to the vendor. Methods of enhancing the customer's privacy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for replenishing a pre-paid telecommunications account utilizes the short message service (SMS). When an account balance is low, a pre-paid service control point (PP-SCP) sends a message to a pre-paid payment server which composes an SMS message and sends it to a short message service center (SMSC). The SMSC forwards the message to a mobile switching center (MSC) which passes the message to the subscriber's mobile unit. A confirmation message is automatically sent in a similar manner back to the pre-paid payment server. To replenish the account, the subscriber composes an SMS message using the mobile unit and sends the message to an MSC which forwards it to the pre-paid payment server via an SMSC. The pre-paid payment server validates the request via a billing and finance system, then sends a message to the PP-SCP for account update.

Abstract: A transaction handling system (THS) for use in a cellular telephone network using Short Messages is described. The THS comprises means for receiving digitally encoded information from one or more sources, such as magnetically encoded credit card information related to credit cards, smart cards, bar codes etc. Means are provided for interpreting the digitally encoded information into a message compatible with a particular database relevant in the transaction and formulating a query to the database. The query is routed to the database. Upon receiving a reply from the database, the reply is interpreted in the THS for compatibility with the cellular network and the structure of the Short Messages within it, and routed to a terminal having a display, printer or other input/output means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a caller name delivery service telecommunication system having caller screening and other options. The system includes intercepting a call from a calling subscriber to a desired called subscriber, as a first option, prompting the caller to either speak his or her name, or speak or punch a pin number as a second option, reviewing caller screen and caller pass-through lists to determine whether the intercepted call is on either list, playing a called subscriber announcement requesting voice identification of the calling subscriber, recording the voice identification on a recording medium, transmitting to the called subscriber the recorded voice message, recording the telephone number of the calling subscriber and playing the voice identification in a voice format by means of text to speech or recorded digits to speech technology, and requesting the called party to accept the call by a plurality of different options.